Wendell Oliveira (24-8) is scheduled to fight T.J. Waldburger (16-9) at UFC Fight Night 61 tomorrow night and recently spoke about the upcoming fight as well as fighting in Brazil. Here are the highlights.

Oliveira on fighting Waldburger: “I did watch T.J. Waldburger’s fights. He’s very tough and very good. He has great wrestling. He’s highly experienced within the UFC. Since he’s coming off some losses, I expect him to come at me full-force, since he’s under pressure to win. Likewise, since I’m also coming off a loss, I’m coming at him just as hard. In every single one of my fights, regardless of the end result, I always move forward aggressively. I want to put on a great fight. I guarantee an electrifying fight that the fans will enjoy. T.J. will be extra focused in making no mistakes. But this is MMA. Both of us will step into the cage, looking to give our best. I’m simply looking to walk away with a victory.”

Prior to his UFC debut, Wendell Oliveira was on a seven fight winning streak, but once he made his UFC debut, (which was in his last bout), he lost to Santiago Ponzinibbio by first round knockout last September.

Oliveira on fighting in his home country: “The Brazilian fan base is very supportive of its athletes. They always root and scream for us. It really motivates us. Sometimes it’s a lot of pressure to defend one’s flag, and to win for everyone present. But ultimately it’s further motivation to get the victory. I’m confident it will be a very exciting fight, a clash of styles. It’s going to be a grappler versus a striker. I’m sure the fans will enjoy it. Hopefully this will be a victory for Brazil.”